by Karen Clow
Later that day they made several money pickups from different places. Maria never asked him what the money was, because she knew it was business. “That’s the last one babe,” said Jimmy as he returned to the car. “Now all I’ve got to do is drop the money off at Sweet Cheeks. It’s nearer to here than Dixie’s.”
Ten minutes later they were entering the club. Twins Simon and Steve were watching a couple of dancers practising their routines; they were covering for Shane and Billy who were out collecting money from a couple of businesses that were behind with their payments. Jimmy joined them at their table. Maria wasn’t really comfortable, because she had only met the twins briefly once or twice before. While the three men talked business, she just sat quietly sipping her orange juice. Looking round the club in an effort to occupy herself she noticed a young girl in her mid-twenties walking towards them. She was petite, peroxide blonde and pretty, wearing just a skimpy pair of panties and she was topless. Jimmy looked surprised as the girl approached,
Then to Maria’s horror the girl completely ignored her as she sat down on Jimmy lap and landed a full kiss on his lips. Looking embarrassed, he pushed her off, now standing behind Jimmy she was holding her arms round his shoulders as she said, “Have you missed me lover boy?” Looking shocked he replied, “Hi Della, when did you get back?” Then he quickly added, “This is Maria, were getting married.” Throwing Maria a dirty look she said, “Who’s a lucky girl then.” Maria felt intimidated; she could sense the animosity from Della, but before Jimmy could say anything she looked at Maria again and said, “Well if you can’t satisfy him, he knows I can!” Jimmy looked angry as he said, “You’re out of order Della we were a long time ago, before I met Maria.” Smirking Della replied, “Looks like I shouldn’t have gone away, still I’m back now.” Simon could sense the tension mounting as he intervened and said, “Go back to the dressing room Della, we’re talking business.” Protesting she replied, “I haven’t practised my routine yet.” “You’ll just have to practise later, like I said we’re talking.” Turning, she began walking away, stopping briefly to say to Jimmy, “You know where to find me lover, I’ll be waiting.”
Steve looked at Maria and said, “Don’t take any notice babe, Della’s not really a bad sort; she just didn’t know Jimmy was getting married, she’s been away a long time.” Maria couldn’t answer him, she felt sick to the pit of her stomach so forcing a smile she said, “It’s alright.” If she had said another word she would have burst into tears. Jimmy knew she would never make a scene in public; by the same token he knew Della had humiliated her. “You ready babe,” he said. She nodded. “Come on then let’s make a move, I’ve got business to attend to.” Minutes later they were saying goodbye to the twins.
Driving back to the apartment she never said a word, even when he said, “Sorry about what happened back in the club; Della worked for us a couple of years ago; but she left to do a bit of travelling.” He was trying to make it sound as though she meant nothing to him; but it had been obvious to Maria that she had. Several minutes passed until he said, “Say something babe,” before sarcastically adding, “Don’t give me the fucking cold shoulder.” Defending herself she replied, “I’m not; I just don’t know what you expect me to say.” “I can tell you’ve got the hump with me, believe me I had no idea she was back.” Although she didn’t answer him, she believed him.
Once inside the apartment she tried avoiding him by busying herself. Finally after about twenty minutes he said, “Stop acting childish, talk to me Maria.” Looking straight at him she said, “Ok Jimmy you want to know what I’m thinking, I’ll tell you. I thought your friend Della was absolutely horrible, little better than a common slut! And if she ever humiliates me again like that in front of people, I will simply walk out, there so now you know!” Shocked by her sudden outburst he looked quite taken aback; he wasn’t used to seeing her act like that. “You’re blowing it all out of proportion, I told you Della meant nothing to me, she had only ever been a bit of fun. I hadn’t even met you at the time!” Undeterred she looked at him and said, “Do you still want to sleep with her?” Laughing he replied, “No I fucking don’t! You’re the only woman I want to sleep with!” Maria wasn’t as naïve as he would like her to be, she knew from the way all the men used to talk at Nick’s poker games that very few, if any, were faithful to their wives. She had hoped it would be different with them, she hoped she would be enough for him, but she did believe what he’d said that Della was before he had met her. Truth was she didn’t like her, in Maria’s eyes she was nothing but a cheap lay. Deciding to put it out of her mind, she was determined that it wouldn’t spoil her evening out with Mickey and his family.
It was six that evening when she said, “I’m going to get ready.” “How is it men only taking five minutes; yet women seem to need hours?” “Well for a start you haven’t got hair and you don’t have to wear makeup.” “Fair point babe,” said Jimmy with a grin.
It was turned quarter past seven when she finally appeared and said, “Well what do you think?” She could tell there was something about her dress he wasn’t sure about, as he looked at her and said, “What you wearing underneath it?” Curiously she said, “Why do you want to know?” “Because I can’t see any bra straps, that’s why” Giggling she replied, “That’s because I’m wearing a strapless dress, so I have to wear a strapless basque underneath. So, you haven’t told me what you think.” Sarcastically, he replied, “I think it’s a bit sexy for a dinner date, don’t you?” Looking disappointed she said, “No I don’t, but you obviously do, so I’ll change into something more appropriate, although I haven’t got a clue what, I thought you’d like this.” Sensing he’d upset her he replied, “Don’t worry about changing now; you look lovely; it’s just me being paranoid.” He knew she would attract attention, which was why he had said the things he had; truth was he knew she looked sexy in most things, and that night was no exception. “Are you sure you don’t want me to change,” said Maria expecting him to simply say no, she was surprised when he replied, “What jacket are you wearing?” “The dress came with a silk shoulder wrap; shall I put it on to show you?” “Yeah.” Instantly she could tell by his face he preferred the dress with it, rather than without it, basically because it covered her shoulders and cleavage. “Looks good, but keep the wrap on tonight.” “I can change if you want me to.” “I said its fine, but keep the jacket on,” replied Jimmy with an arrogant tone. She simply nodded.
Once at the restaurant she soon fitted in with Fay and Richard, she could understand why Jimmy liked them so much. While he chatted to Fay and Mickey’s parents, Richard seemed happy talking to her and Monica about his family, especially his children. Maria said, “I thought your children would have joined us for dinner Richard.” Grinning he replied, “They had planned to, until their cousin Charlie offered to take them to a friend’s birthday party. I’m afraid us boring oldies just couldn’t compete!” They all laughed.
It was well past midnight when the evening began winding down. Mary said, “I suppose me and dad will have to think about going soon, I’m feeling tired.” Mickey knew when his mum said that, it was a cue for them to leave.
Maria looked at Fay and Richard and said, “It’s been lovely to meet you, I’ve had a wonderful evening. I hope to see you again before the wedding.” She was disappointed when Fay replied, “It’s been lovely to meet you too Maria, you’re as lovely as everyone said you were. I’m sorry, but I can’t make the hen night due to other commitments. You know what it’s like; everyone wants to see us while we’re here.” “I understand, so I’ll see you at the wedding then.” “Absolutely, wild horses couldn’t keep us away.” Everyone kissed and shook hands as they made their departure from the restaurant and walked towards their cars.
On the drive home she noticed Jimmy was quieter than usual. In an effort to lighten the atmosphere she said, “I really enjoyed myself tonight. Mickey’s family are lovely, they made me feel like I’d known them years.” “Yeah the meal
was ok.” Surprised by his reply she said, “You looked as though you were thoroughly enjoying yourself talking to Fay and her parents.” “I could say the same about you. You looked like you was enjoying yourself a little too much with Richard!” She refrained from answering him, because she knew he was implying something and she didn’t want another fight. Smirking he said, “What’s the matter Maria, did I hit a nerve?” “I don’t know what you’re talking about Jimmy, I was only talking to him and he was very nice.” “Yeah, he’s probably saying the same about you.” In a serious tone she replied, “I’m not having this conversation, I know where it’s leading and you’re wrong!” He never spoke again during the journey.
Once home she decided she would try to ignore the situation, rather than cause a row. Sitting in the lounge she kicked her shoes off and said, “Do you want coffee?” He nodded.
Moments later she returned with their drinks and sat down. Looking at her, he said, “Well did you fancy Richard then?” “Don’t do this Jimmy, I told you I thought he was very pleasant and nice, but no, I didn’t fancy him.” She felt as though she was treading on egg shells when he was like this; so she added, “I’m going to bed once I’ve finished my tea.” “I’ll join you,” said Jimmy.
Within minutes of getting into bed he tried to initiate sex. Lovingly she said, “I’m sorry Jimmy I can’t have sex, I’ve got stomach cramps it could be the start of my period.” Quickly he replied, “Well there are other things we can do.” She knew he was referring to a blow job, in truth she would have done whatever he wanted, rather than bring the subject of Richard up again.
Thankfully after she’d satisfied his lust he fell asleep, unlike him she laid awake for hours thinking about how he’d changed over the past few weeks. Something about him was different, but she couldn’t work out exactly what.
CHAPTER 45
Saturday morning arrived and he still seemed quiet as they ate breakfast, breaking the ice she said, “Are you looking forward to your stag night?” Nodding he replied, “Yeah, what about you, have you decided what you’re going to wear on your hen night tonight.” “Not really, Monica’s coming over early to help me pick something out.” “I’ll help you, I’m happy to have a clothes show. Go and put some gear on and I’ll give you my opinion.” She was reluctant, because she knew he would be critical of anything he deemed as sexy. However as usual he talked her into it.
She had tried on several things, before showing him a short black halter neck dress. Immediately she knew from his expression he wasn’t happy with it, even more so when he said, “When did you get that, I haven’t seen it before?” “Monica gave it to me; it’s too small for her now.” Looking at the dress, he said, “Walk up and down the lounge, so I can watch you.” It was when she began walking back towards him he beckoned her to him with his finger. Pulling her onto his lap he said “Are you bleeding?” When she shook her head he began kissing her, at the same time he undid the neck ties and pulled the dress down exposing her breasts. Breathing heavily he kissed and fondled her, slipping his hand inside her panties before saying, “Take the dress off and stand in front of me.”
Moments later she was standing there, wearing just her panties. “Take them off babe,” he said. When she’d done as he’d asked he stood up and lifted her onto him. Carrying her to the lounge wall with her legs wrapped around him, he pushed her against the wall and began thrusting into her, erratically grabbing at her buttocks, as he bit her neck. She could feel the tension with every thrust; it was almost as though he was using sex as a release for his aggression. Despite the fact that she wasn’t ready for him, she said nothing for fear that he would get rougher, but she did ask him to slow down a couple of times.
A few minutes after they’d finished, she went into the bedroom to fetch their dressing gowns. When she returned she said, “I hadn’t expected that.” Looking at her he said, “Neither did I, it was that fucking dress; so you definitely won’t be wearing it tonight!” “Ok, did you like anything else I showed you?” Hesitating before answering he replied, “I want you to wear trousers.” Resenting his remark she replied, “Everyone else will probably be wearing a dress.” Sarcastically he replied, “I’m not interested in what everyone else is wearing, because I’m not marrying them!”
Trying to skip round the issue of what he deemed appropriate, she said, “I’ll wait and see what Monica and Simone think when they come round later.” “I don’t give a fuck what they think; I’ve told you to wear trousers!” In the hope of changing the topic she smiled and said, “Ok, now shall I make us a coffee?” “Yeah go on then.”
Taking him a coffee in the lounge she was edgy when he said, “So who’s going tonight then?” “Just a couple of Simone’s friends, me and Monica don’t know them; Simone invited them, she said a hen night needs more than three of us.” Arrogantly he said, “I’m not interested in what your fucking friends think, and while we’re on the subject you’d better remember to behave yourself.” “Of course I will, why are you being so nasty?” “Because if I find out you’ve flirted with anyone; I won’t be happy about it!” Feeling nervous about the whole thing she replied, “I wish I wasn’t having a hen night, it’s only because Monica insisted!”
For the rest of the day she tried to avoid the subject; simply because she knew he didn’t want her to go. Trying to keep out of his way she busied herself with house work, while he lounged about making business calls before eventually settling down to watch the sport on the telly.
Finally Mickey and Monica turned up. Thankful for some light relief from the atmosphere between her and Jimmy, she welcomed their arrival.
Mickey grinned at Jimmy and said, “Apparently we’re going to start off at Dixie’s. One of the lads had phoned me to say they want us there by seven.” Maria interrupted and said, “”Will you be going to Sweet Cheeks Mickey?” “No idea babe.” Jimmy knew why she had asked, it was because of Della.
As the men were leaving Jimmy hugged her and said, “Remember what I said.” She nodded her head and replied, “Have a good time.”
After they left Monica said, “Is everything alright Maria, only I sensed a bit of an atmosphere between you and Jimmy.” Maria explained to her what he had said about what she could wear. Shaking her head Monica replied, “He’s got a bloody cheek, Mickey would never say anything like that to me.” “Do you trust Mickey?” With a curious look on her face she replied, “As much as anyone can with men in the club game. Trouble is young girls see them as sort of play boys, it’s because they own clubs, they offer them sex on a plate. I would like to think that Mickey wouldn’t be interested, but I wouldn’t bet on it, after all he is a man!” Maria spoke to her about Della. Monica just looked at her and said, “Now there’s a fully paid up member of the slut society! A couple of years ago before Jimmy met you he went out with Della. At the time she was young and fancied herself as the club owner’s wife. Jimmy knew about her reputation from blokes like Shane, she had slept with just about everyone who worked at the club. I asked Mickey once what Jimmy saw in her, she had slag written all over her. He said Jimmy just saw her as someone to fuck, but unfortunately she didn’t see it like that. When Jimmy tried to cool it down, she gave him grief, apparently she kept turning up acting as though she was his girl, according to Mickey she became something of an embarrassment.” “Why didn’t they just sack her?” “I asked Mickey the same thing, turns out her father was a good friend of Den’s; it came down to a loyalty issue. When she left to go travelling I hoped that was the last we would see of her, obviously I was wrong.” Noticing that Maria looked upset, she said, “Don’t worry about it, Jimmy would never do anything with the likes of Della, especially if it jeopardised his relationship with you.” “I hope you’re right Monica. I’ve noticed Jimmy seems different lately.” “How do you mean different?” “I know he’s always been jealous and we all know what a temper he has, but lately he seems to be more aggressive. Dictating what I can wear, that type of thing, he even accused me of flirting with Ric
hard.” “What’s wrong with him?” “I don’t know, but he’s changing.” “Could it be that he’s a bit stressed about the wedding?” “I wondered that, he doesn’t say much except he can’t wait.” “I bet that’s it then, he’s worried that you’ll change your mind.”
No matter how hard she tried to take some comfort from Monica’s words, in the back of her mind she had a bad feeling that there was something Jimmy was hiding from her and that Della would be come back to haunt her at a later date.
The intercom buzzed, it was Simone. They waited at the door for her to get out of the lift. The lift doors opened and she stepped out. They both noticed instantly the black bin liner she was carrying. Monica was the first to say, “What’s in the bag Simone?” Giggling she replied, “It’s your clothes for tonight!” Maria was quick to say, “Jimmy wouldn’t like me wearing anything sexy.” Laughing Simone replied, “Well it’s a good job he’s not coming with us then!”
